CSU's aggressive suicide prevention approach praised

University using many methods to honestly assess situation

CSU officials are being appropriately aggressive in their efforts to understand the causes of suicide and, ultimately, save students' lives.

Nine Colorado State University students took their own lives last year. The university in the past has seen one to three students a year committing suicide, though that might have been understated.

Now, the university is better tracking student suicides, even if they occur hundreds of miles from the campus.

Dean of Students Anne Hudgens said university administrators across the country historically have shied away from talking about suicide statistics out of fear that their school might get a "Suicide U" label. But it's clear an honest assessment of the situation - which has been under way at CSU for more than a year - is necessary to save lives.

"We're not shying away from the conversations," Hudgens said.

CSU has hired new mental-health workers and a suicide-prevention coordinator, developed new intervention protocols and begun a new screening system. CSU also has started a comprehensive tracking system to gather information about students who commit suicide.

Both CSU and Larimer County have seen an alarming rise in suicides in the past year. There will be no easy solutions. But CSU's more aggressive approach is what is needed, and the university is commended for taking action.

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CSU's aggressive suicide prevention approach praised

CSU officials are being appropriately aggressive in their efforts to understand the causes of suicide and, ultimately, save students' lives.Nine Colorado State University students took their own